Which size is commonly used as a B-I extinguisher?

• A. 15 Pound Carbon Dioxide
• B. 5 Pound Water
• C. 10 Pound Foam
• D. 2 Pound Dry Chemical

Answer: (D)

B-I refers to a small, portable unit designed for fires involving flammable liquids on vessels. For that purpose, a compact dry chemical extinguisher is ideal because it is light, easy to handle, and effective on a wide range of liquid-fuel fires, allowing you to quickly knock down flames before they spread. The 2-pound dry chemical unit is the typical size used for this purpose on many boats, offering enough capability for early-stage incidents without the burden of a heavier extinguisher.

The other options aren’t as well suited for B-I needs. A 15-pound CO2 extinguisher is heavier and, in confined spaces, can displace oxygen and pose a hazard to occupants, and CO2 isn’t the most versatile for common flammable-liquid fires. A 5-pound water extinguisher is not appropriate for flammable liquids, since water can spread the burning liquid. A 10-pound foam extinguisher is heavier and less portable for quick response on a small vessel, and foam is typically used differently than a compact B-I unit.